Barnsley: Conor Hourihane told to make Marc Roberts & Reyes Cleary decisions v Bradford City | OneFootball

Barnsley are preparing for a tough visit to face Bradford City

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Barnsley are in desperate need of a victory as they travel to high-flying Bradford City on Saturday.

The Tykes started their 2025/26 campaign brilliantly, winning eight of their first 10 matches in all competitions to announce themselves as early promotion challengers.

Included in this run were victories over Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle and Reading, breeding real confidence around Oakwell about what this season had in store.

However, things took a turn for the worst quickly. Barnsley are on a run of five matches without a victory in all competitions, with defeats against the likes of Notts County, Blackpool and Port Vale worrying for any team hoping to achieve promotion.

Conor Hourihane’s side are now four points away from the play-offs, but have a game in hand on Lincoln City, who currently lie sixth in the table. Up next is a trip to Bradford City, which could arguably be Barnsley’s toughest test yet.

The Bantams are currently second in the League One standings and have enjoyed a superb start to the season, picking up points in 10 of their first 11 outings.

Ahead of that contest, Football League World’s Barnsley fan pundit, Andy Symcox, has highlighted some key changes he believes that Hourihane should make to his starting 11 to give his side the best chance of defeating Bradford.

Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane told to make key changes ahead of Bradford City clash

“For our game against Wycombe, Conor changed by selecting Reyes Cleary instead of David McGoldrick, who I believe was carrying a slight knock,” started Andy.

“Cleary had a really good game until late on, when he got tired, constantly running up and down the field, he had a really positive impact. So for me, he should remain in the starting line-up.

“The other thing is in defence, where we have been conceding late goals. There are reports that Marc Roberts may be available again after a long lay-off through injury for the Bradford game.

“If he is fit enough, then he should play because he is a powerful, strong centre-back and is also exceptionally good at organising his fellow defenders.”

Barnsley can’t afford to slip further away from the play-off hunt

Although there is still plenty of football left to play in the 2025/26 League One campaign, the pecking order is starting to establish itself, with certain teams already knowing where their fate will lie come the end of the season.

Despite starting the term brilliantly, Barnsley are on a firm downward trajectory and need to break out of it if they are to have any chance of a top six finish.

Bradford City may prove to be their most difficult test yet, but if the Tykes can take all three points back from Valley Parade, it will evoke a real sense of belief that they are capable of mixing it with the division’s best sides.

On the other hand, if they are defeated, Barnsley may drop further away from play-off contention and some supporters could begin to lose belief that achieving a top six finish is realistic.